Method and apparatus for managing X-ray accumulation amount

ABSTRACT

An X-ray imaging method includes obtaining first information including X-ray accumulation amount of an object; determining an imaging protocol for imaging the object based on the received first information; and acquiring an X-ray image of the object based on the determined imaging protocol. The first information including the X-ray accumulation amount of the object is obtained from a device of the object via a short range wireless communication or from an external database based on authentication information input received from the object.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/470,285 filed on Aug. 27, 2014, which claims priority from KoreanPatent Application No. 10-2013-0102016, filed on Aug. 27, 2013, in theKorean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments relate tomanaging X-ray accumulation amounts with respect to an object.

2. Description of the Related Art

X-ray apparatuses including an X-ray imaging device and a computedtomography (CT) imaging device irradiate an X-ray, which is a type ofradiation having a short wavelength and high penetrability.

However, excessive X-ray exposure may cause damage to cellular tissue ofan object. Therefore, it is important to properly manage X-rayaccumulation amounts.

Currently, a patient may be informed about amount of X-ray irradiated tohim/her in a single X-ray imaging. However, due to medical securityproblems or difficulty of system integration, it is difficult to manageinformation of X-ray radiation amounts of hospitals in a single system.

Therefore, it is difficult for a patient to know total amount of thereceived X-ray radiation. Furthermore, when a radiological technologistperforms an X-ray imaging, the radiological technologist determines animaging protocol without consideration of a total X-ray accumulation ofan object and, thus, excessive amount of X-ray may be irradiated to theobject.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments may address at least the above problems and/ordisadvantages and other disadvantages not described above. Also, theexemplary embodiments are not required to overcome the disadvantagesdescribed above, and an exemplary embodiment may not overcome any of theproblems described above.

One or more exemplary embodiments provide a method and an apparatus forperforming an X-ray imaging operation of an object based on X-rayaccumulation amount of the object and a method and an apparatus formanaging X-ray accumulation amounts with respect to an object.

According to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided an X-ray imagingmethod including obtaining information of X-ray accumulation amount ofan object; determining an imaging protocol for imaging the object basedon the information of X-ray accumulation amount of the object; andobtaining an X-ray image of the object based on the determined imagingprotocol, wherein the information of X-ray accumulation amount of theobject is obtained from a device of the object via a designated shortrange wireless communication method or obtained from an externaldatabase based on authentication information input by the object.

The X-ray imaging method may further include obtaining secondinformation regarding the object, wherein the determining the imagingprotocol includes determining the imaging protocol in furtherconsideration of the second information.

The second information may include identification (ID) information ofthe object, the first information may include X-ray accumulation amountsfor respective portions of the object, and the determining the imagingprotocol may include determining an imaging portion of the object basedon the ID information of the object; and determining the imagingprotocol based on the determined imaging portion, the X-ray accumulationamount included into the first information and corresponding to thedetermined imaging portion, and an X-ray tolerance for the determinedimaging portion.

The first information may include X-ray accumulation amounts forrespective portions of the object.

The X-ray imaging method may further include transmitting, to the deviceof the object, X-ray imaging information including an overall amount ofan X-ray radiation irradiated to the object according to the determinedimaging protocol, via the short range wireless communication.

The X-ray imaging information may further include information of atleast one of imaged portions of the object and amounts of the X-rayradiation irradiated to respective imaged portions of the object.

The X-ray imaging information may further include information regardingat least one of a technologist who performed the imaging, a doctor whoordered the imaging, an imaging date, an imaging time, an X-ray imageobtained via the determined imaging protocol, and a result of diagnosisbased on the X-ray image.

The obtaining the first information may include receiving the X-rayaccumulation amount of the object from the device of the object via anear field communication (NFC) as the device of the object is tagged toan X-ray apparatus which performs the X-ray imaging.

The short range wireless communication may include at least one of anear field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

According to another exemplary embodiment, there is provided an X-rayapparatus including an accumulation information obtainer for obtaininginformation of X-ray accumulation amount of an object; an imagingprotocol determiner for determining an imaging protocol for imaging theobject based on the information of X-ray accumulation amount of theobject; and a scanner for obtaining an X-ray image of the object basedon the determined imaging protocol, wherein the information of X-rayaccumulation amount of the object is obtained from a device of theobject via a designated short range wireless communication method orobtained from an external database based on authentication informationinput by the object.

The accumulation information obtainer may obtain second information ofthe object, and the imaging protocol determiner may determine theimaging protocol in further consideration of the second information.

The second information may include identification (ID) information ofthe object, the first information may include X-ray accumulation amountsfor respective portions of the object, and the imaging protocoldeterminer may determine an imaging portion for the object based on theID information, and may determine the imaging protocol based on thedetermined imaging portion, the X-ray accumulation amount included intothe first information and corresponding to the determined imagingportion, and an X-ray tolerance for the determined imaging portion.

The first information may include X-ray accumulation amounts forrespective portions of the object.

The X-ray apparatus may further include an X-ray radiation amounttransmitter for transmitting, to the device of the object, X-ray imaginginformation including an overall amount of an X-ray radiation irradiatedto the object according to the determined imaging protocol via the shortrange wireless communication.

The X-ray imaging information may further include information of atleast one of imaged portions of the object and amounts of the X-rayradiation irradiated to respective imaged portions of the object.

The X-ray imaging information may include information of at least one ofa technologist who performed the imaging, a doctor who ordered theimaging, an imaging date, an imaging time, an X-ray image obtained viathe determined imaging protocol, and a result of diagnosis based on theX-ray image.

The accumulation information obtainer may receive the X-ray accumulationamount of the object from the device of the object via a near fieldcommunication (NFC) as the device of the object is tagged to the X-rayapparatus.

The short range wireless communication may include at least one of anear field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

According to another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method ofmanaging X-ray accumulation amount of an object, the method includingtransmitting information of X-ray accumulation amount of the object toan X-ray apparatus for imaging the object via a designated short rangewireless communication method; receiving X-ray imaging informationincluding an amount of X-ray irradiated to the object as the object isimaged by the X-ray apparatus from the X-ray apparatus; and updatinginformation of X-ray accumulation amount of the object by using theX-ray imaging information.

The transmitting the X-ray accumulation amount may include transmittingthe X-ray accumulation amount of the object to a device of the objectvia a near field communication (NFC) as the device of the object istagged to the X-ray apparatus; and receiving the X-ray imaginginformation includes receiving the amount of the X-ray radiation of theobject from the X-ray apparatus via the NFC as the device of the objectis tagged to the X-ray apparatus.

The X-ray accumulation amount may include X-ray accumulation amounts forrespective portions of the object.

The method of managing X-ray accumulation amount of an object mayfurther include displaying at least one of the updated X-rayaccumulation amount and the X-ray imaging information.

The method of managing X-ray accumulation amount of an object mayfurther include displaying at least one of information of X-rayaccumulation amounts regarding respective portions of the object, anumber of times that the respective portions of the object have beenimaged, and dates at which the respective portions of the object havebeen imaged.

The method of managing X-ray accumulation amount of an object mayfurther include storing at least one of the updated X-ray accumulationamount and the X-ray imaging information in an external databaseaccessible with authentication of the object.

According to another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a deviceincluding an accumulation information transmitter for transmittinginformation of X-ray accumulation amount of an object to an X-rayapparatus for imaging the object via a designated short range wirelesscommunication method; an X-ray radiation amount receiver for receivingX-ray imaging information including an amount of X-ray irradiated to theobject as the object is imaged by the X-ray apparatus via a designatedshort range wireless communicator; and an accumulation amount updaterfor updating information of X-ray accumulation amount of the object byusing the received accumulation amount.

The accumulation information transmitter may transmit the X-rayaccumulation amount of the object to the X-ray apparatus via a nearfield communication (NFC), when the device of the object is tagged tothe X-ray apparatus, and the X-ray radiation amount receiver may receivethe X-ray imaging information from the X-ray apparatus via the NFC, whenthe device of the object is tagged to the X-ray apparatus.

The X-ray accumulation amount may include X-ray accumulation amounts forrespective portions of the object.

The device may further include a display for displaying the X-rayimaging information.

The display may display at least one of information of X-rayaccumulation amounts for respective portions of the object, a number oftimes that the respective portions of the object have been imaged, anddates at which the respective portions of the object have been imaged.

The device may store at least one of the updated X-ray accumulationamount and the X-ray imaging information in an external databaseaccessible with authentication of the object.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recordedthereon a computer program which, when executed by a computer system,causes the computer system to execute the method of managing X-rayaccumulation amount of an object.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recordedthereon a computer program which, when executed by a computer system,causes the computer system to execute the X-ray imaging method.

According to another exemplary embodiment, there is provided atomographic medical apparatus including a storage unit of a portabledevice for collecting and storing X-ray accumulation amount of anobject, a first communicator of the portable device for transmitting,via a short range wireless communication, the X-ray accumulation amountof the object to an imaging apparatus prior to current imaging of theobject, a second communicator of the imaging apparatus for transmitting,via the short range wireless communication, an amount of X-ray radiationirradiated to the object during the current imaging of the object, andan accumulation amount updater for updating the X-ray accumulationamount of the object stored in the storage unit based on the amount ofX-ray radiation irradiated to the object during the current imaging ofthe object.

The portable device may further include a display for displaying theX-ray accumulation amount of the object.

The imaging apparatus may include an imaging protocol determiner fordesigning an imaging protocol for the current imaging of the objectbased on the transmitted X-ray accumulation amount of the object, toavoid exceeding an allowable radiation dose determined for the object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and/or other aspects will become more apparent by describingcertain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an X-ray apparatus and a device according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method of obtaining an X-ray imageaccording to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an X-ray accumulation amountthe X-ray apparatus receives from the device, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing operations performed between the X-rayapparatus and the device, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing operations performed between the X-rayapparatus and the external database, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example X-ray imaging informationtransmitted from the X-ray apparatus to the device, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method of managing X-ray accumulationamount according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing operations performed between the device andthe external database, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 are diagrams showing X-ray managementinformation displayed by the device;

FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the configuration of the X-ray apparatusaccording to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the configuration of the X-ray apparatusaccording to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14A is a diagram showing the configuration of the device accordingto an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 14B is a diagram showing the configuration of the device accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments are described in greater detail below withreference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, the same drawing reference numerals areused for the same elements even in different drawings. The mattersdefined in the description, such as detailed construction and elements,are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplaryembodiments. Thus, it is apparent that exemplary embodiments can becarried out without those specifically defined matters. Also, well-knownfunctions or constructions are not described in detail since they wouldobscure exemplary embodiments with unnecessary detail.

Unless explicitly described to the contrary, “comprise” and variationssuch as “comprises” or “comprising” is understood to imply the inclusionof stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. Inaddition, the elements and components described in the specificationmean units for processing at least one function and operation and can beimplemented by hardware components or software components andcombinations thereof.

An image may refer to multi-dimensional data consisting of discreteimage elements (e.g., pixels in a two-dimensional (2D) image and voxelsin a three-dimensional (3D) image). For example, images may include amedical image of an object obtained via an X-ray apparatus or a CTapparatus.

An object may refer to a human, an animal, or a portion of a human or ananimal. A user may refer to a medical expert, which may be a doctor, anurse, a medical technologist, a medical imaging expert, a radiologicaltechnologist, or a medical device repairman, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 1, the X-ray apparatus 100 according to an exemplaryembodiment may receive information of X-ray accumulation amount of anobject from the device 200 via a short range wireless communication. TheX-ray apparatus 100 may obtain an X-ray image of the object based on theinformation of X-ray accumulation amount.

After an X-ray image of the object is obtained, the X-ray apparatus 100may transmit X-ray imaging information including amount of X-rayirradiated to the object to the device 200 via the short range wirelesscommunication.

The device 200 may update information of X-ray accumulation amount byadding the amount of X-ray radiation received from the X-ray apparatus100 to existing X-ray accumulation amount.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may receive information of X-ray accumulationamount of the object from the device 200 by reading Barcode or QuickResponse (QR) Code, for example, a matrix barcode or a 2D barcode,stored in the device 200.

After an X-ray image of the object is obtained, the X-ray apparatus 100may write X-ray imaging information including amount of X-ray irradiatedto the object in Barcode or QR Code.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may update information of X-ray accumulationamount of the object by adding the amount of X-ray irradiated to theobject to the X-ray accumulation amount of the object received from thedevice 200. The X-ray apparatus 100 may write the updated information ofX-ray accumulation amount of the object in Barcode or QR Code.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may transmit the amount of X-ray irradiated tothe object and the updated information of X-ray accumulation amount ofthe object written in Barcode or QR Code to the X-ray apparatus 100.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may be a device for obtaining an X-ray image ofan object by irradiating an X-ray to the object. The X-ray apparatus 100may include an X-ray imaging device, a CT imaging device, a positionemission tomography (PET) imaging device, etc. However, an exemplaryembodiment is not limited thereto.

The device 200 may be a portable device for managing X-ray managementinformation including information of X-ray accumulation amount. Thedevice 200 may be a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, atablet PC, an e-book terminal, a digital broadcasting terminal, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), adigital camera, etc. However, an exemplary embodiment is not limitedthereto.

The X-ray device 100 and the device 200 may include a short rangewireless communication apparatus, i.e., a short range wirelesscommunicator or a short range wireless communication interface. Theshort range wireless communication apparatus may include a Wi-Fi device,a Bluetooth device, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) device, a ultrawideband (UWB) device, a Zigbee device, a near field communication (NFC)device, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) device, an infrared data association (IrDA)device, etc.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of obtaining an X-ray image accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

In operation S210, the X-ray apparatus 100 obtains information of X-rayaccumulation amount of an object.

The X-ray accumulation amount may include the sum of X-ray amountsirradiated to the object for a particular period of time. The X-rayaccumulation amount may include the sum of X-ray accumulations atrespective portions of the object.

The X-ray apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment may obtaininformation of X-ray accumulation amount of an object from the device200 via a short range wireless communication.

For example, if the X-ray apparatus 100 and the device 200 include NFCmodules, a NFC module of the X-ray apparatus 100 and a NFC module of thedevice 200 may operate in P2P mode. Here, as the NFC module (client) ofthe device 200 approaches to the NFC module (host) of the X-rayapparatus 100, the device 200 may be tagged by the NFC module of theX-ray apparatus 100 and may transmit information of X-ray accumulationamount of an object to the X-ray apparatus 100.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may receive information other than the X-rayaccumulation amount, from the device 200. The information may includeidentification (ID) of the object, name of the object, medical historyof the object, etc.

Since a short range wireless communication is used, the device 200belonging to an object needs to approach the X-ray apparatus 100, inorder to transmit information of X-ray accumulation amount to the X-rayapparatus 100 and the object may personally manage information of X-rayaccumulation amount. Therefore, security of medical information may beimproved. The object may transmit information of X-ray accumulationamount to the X-ray apparatus 100 without inputting any information.

For example, information regarding X-ray accumulation amount of anobject according to an exemplary embodiment may be stored in theexternal database 300. The external database 300 may receive informationof X-ray accumulation amount of the object stored in the device 200 fromthe device 200 periodically or based on an input of the object.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may obtain X-ray accumulation amount from anexternal database 300, which shares information with the device 200 ofan object, based on authentication information input by the object.

For example, the external database 300 may demand authenticationinformation to authenticate that a device which attempts to access theinformation regarding X-ray accumulation amount of an object stored inthe external database 300 is the device authorized by the object. Theauthentication information may include at least one of ID of the object,a password, and a URL of the external database 300.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may receive authentication information via aninput device, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and/or a touchscreen, or mayreceive authentication information from the device 200 of an object viaa short range wireless communication.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may receive authentication information from anobject and may receive information of X-ray accumulation amount of theobject from the external database 300 by using the receivedauthentication information.

Because the information of X-ray accumulation amount of the object isstored in the external database 300, the object may transmit theobject's X-ray accumulation amount to an X-ray imaging device withoutthe device 200. Furthermore, since information of X-ray accumulationamount of an object may be accessed only based on authenticationinformation of the object, security regarding medical information of theobject including information of X-ray accumulation amount may beimproved.

In operation S220, the X-ray apparatus 100 may determine an imagingprotocol for imaging the object based on the information of X-rayaccumulation amount of the object.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may determine a portion of the object to beimaged based on identification information of the object. For example, aportion of the object to be imaged may be determined based on a diseaseof the object, previous imaging history of the object, or an imaginginstruction of a doctor who examined the object.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may adjust an X-ray amount by adjusting theimaging protocol, such that an X-ray accumulation including the amountof an X-ray to be irradiated does not exceed a preset X-ray amount.

In operation S230, the X-ray apparatus 100 may obtain an X-ray image ofthe object based on the determined imaging protocol.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may measure the amount of an X-ray irradiated tothe object during an imaging operation.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information of the X-rayaccumulation amount the X-ray apparatus 100 receives from the device200, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, information regarding X-ray accumulation amount mayinclude information regarding an object, such as an object ID 310, age314, gender 316, and body weight 318, but this is not limiting. Theinformation regarding X-ray accumulation amount may include an overallaccumulated X-ray dose 320, a head accumulated X-ray dose 322, a chestaccumulated X-ray dose 324, an abdomen accumulated X-ray dose 326, and adate of the most recent X-ray imaging 328, but this is not limiting.

The object ID 310 is a common object identification information forX-ray accumulation amount management in the X-ray apparatus 100, thedevice 200, and the external database 300 and each object may beallocated a unique value.

Each of the overall accumulated X-ray dose 320, head accumulated X-raydose 322, chest accumulated X-ray dose 324, and abdomen accumulatedX-ray dose 326 may include a sum of accumulated X-ray radiation to theobject for a predetermined period of time (e.g., one year).

Based on identification information of the object, for example, theobject ID 310 and/or the object name 312, the X-ray apparatus 100 maydetermine whether the object corresponding to information regardingX-ray accumulation amount transmitted to the X-ray apparatus 100 isidentical to the object to be X-rayed.

As described above, the X-ray apparatus 100 may determine an imagingprotocol based on at least one of the overall accumulated X-ray dose320, head accumulated X-ray dose 322, chest accumulated X-ray dose 324,and abdomen accumulated X-ray dose 326.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may determine an imaging protocol by furtherconsidering information including age, gender, and body weight of anobject. For example, if an adult and a child have a same X-rayaccumulation, the X-ray apparatus 100 may select an imaging protocolwith less X-ray exposure for the child as compared to the adult.

The X-ray apparatus 100 may determine an imaging protocol based on themost recent X-ray imaging date 328. For example, an imaging protocolwith less X-ray exposure may be selected for an imaging date that ismore recent.

The information regarding X-ray accumulation may further includeinformation regarding medical problems of the object, and a history ofX-ray imaging of the object.

The information shown in FIG. 3 may be converted into an appropriateform according to devices for transmitting and receiving theinformation. For example, if the information shown in FIG. 3 istransmitted from the device 200 to the X-ray apparatus 100 via NFCcommunication, the device 200 may convert the information into NFC dataexchange format (NDEF) and transmit the converted information.Furthermore, if the information shown in FIG. 3 is transmitted from theexternal database 300 to the X-ray apparatus 100, the external database300 may convert information into a markup language, such as XML, andtransmit the converted information.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing operations performed between the X-rayapparatus 100 and the device 200, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In operation S410, the X-ray apparatus 100 and the device 200 establisha short range wireless communication channel. In operation S420, theX-ray apparatus 100 receives information regarding X-ray accumulationamount of an object from the device 200. In operation S430, the X-rayapparatus 100 determines an imaging protocol for the object based on thereceived information. In operation S440, the X-ray apparatus 100 obtainsan X-ray image of the object according to the determined imagingprotocol. Since the operations S410 through S440 are identical to thedescription given above with reference to FIG. 2, detailed descriptionsthereof will be omitted.

After the imaging operation, in operation S450, the X-ray apparatus 100may establish a short range wireless communication channel to the device200 based on an access of the device 200 or a request from the device200.

In operation S460, the X-ray apparatus 100 may transmit X-ray imaginginformation including an amount of X-ray irradiated to the object in theX-ray imaging operation to the device 200.

The amount of X-ray irradiated to the object may include an amount ofX-ray irradiated to the object when the object is imaged according tothe imaging protocol determined in the operation S430.

The X-ray imaging information transmitted to the device 200 may furtherinclude information of at least one of imaged body portions of theobject and amounts of X-rays irradiated to the respective body portions.

The X-ray imaging information transmitted to the device 200 may furtherinclude information of at least one of a technologist who performed theimaging operation, a doctor who ordered the imaging operation, currentimaging date, current imaging time, X-ray imaging dates on which theobject has been imaged, an X-ray image obtained via the determinedimaging protocol, and a result of diagnosis using the X-ray image.

In operation S470, the device 200 may update an X-ray accumulationamount of the object by adding the amount of X-ray irradiated to theobject to the previously stored X-ray accumulation amount.

According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, X-ray accumulationamount of an object is managed by the device 200 of the object, and thusthe object may calculate the accurate X-ray accumulation amount.Furthermore, since an access to the X-ray accumulation amount of theobject may be restricted by the object, possibility of unauthorizeddisclosure of X-ray accumulation amount may be prevented.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing operations performed between the X-rayapparatus 100 and the external database 300, according to an exemplaryembodiment. The above-described operations and functions are applicablehere and will be not repeated.

In operation S510, the X-ray apparatus 100 may receive authenticationinformation from an object for authenticating the object. Theauthentication information may be received as an object input from thedevice 200 via a short range wireless communication.

In operation S520, the X-ray apparatus 100 may transmit receivedauthentication information of the object to the external database 300.In operation S530, the X-ray apparatus 100 may receive an authorizationfor accessing data of the object.

In operation S540, the X-ray apparatus 100 may receive informationregarding X-ray accumulation amount of the object from the externaldatabase 300 based on the received access authorization. In operationS550, the X-ray apparatus 100 may determine an imaging protocol based onthe received information of X-ray accumulation amount of the object. Inoperation S560, the X-ray apparatus 100 may perform an X-ray imaging ofthe object according to the determined imaging protocol. Since theoperations S540 through S560 are identical to those described above withreference to FIGS. 2 and 4, detailed descriptions thereof will beomitted.

In operation S570, the device 200 may update an X-ray accumulationamount of the object by adding the amount of X-ray irradiated to theobject to the previous X-ray accumulation amount stored in the externaldatabase 300.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the X-ray imaging informationtransmitted from the X-ray apparatus 100 to the device 200, according toan exemplary embodiment.

As described above, the X-ray apparatus 100 may transmit X-ray imaginginformation including an amount of X-ray irradiated to an object to thedevice 200 or the external database 300.

The X-ray imaging information may include the object ID 310, the objectname 312, an amount of X-ray radiation dose 614, a region of the objectto which X-rays are irradiated 616, and an imaging date 618.

The device 200 may update information of X-ray accumulation amount of anobject based on the amount of the X-ray radiation dose 614 and may storeX-ray imaging information including the amount of the X-ray radiationdose 614. The device 200 may provide X-ray the amount of X-ray radiationdose 614 to the object.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of managing X-ray accumulation amountaccording to an exemplary embodiment. The above-described operations andfunctions are applicable here and will be not repeated.

In operation S710, the device 200 transmits information of X-rayaccumulation amount of an object stored in the device 200 to the X-rayapparatus 100 via a short range wireless communication method.

For example, both the X-ray apparatus 100 and the device 200 may includeNFC modules, and the two NFC modules may operate in P2P mode. Therefore,as the NF module (client) of the device 200 approaches to the NFC module(host) included in the X-ray apparatus 100, the device 200 may be taggedby the NFC module included in the X-ray apparatus 100 and may transmitinformation of X-ray accumulation amount of an object to the X-rayapparatus 100.

The device 200 may transmit information of the object to the X-rayapparatus 100.

The information regarding X-ray accumulation amount of the object storedin the device 200 may include X-ray accumulation amounts regardingrespective body portions of the object.

In operation S720, the device 200 may receive X-ray imaging informationincluding an amount of X-ray irradiated to the object from the X-rayapparatus 100 via a short range wireless communication method.

In operation S730, the device 200 may update an X-ray accumulationamount of the object by using the received amount of X-ray irradiated tothe object.

The device 200 may update an X-ray accumulation amount of the object byadding the amount of X-ray irradiated to the object received from theX-ray apparatus 100 to the previously stored X-ray accumulation amount.

The device 200 may update X-ray accumulation amounts regarding therespective imaged portions of the object by respectively adding theamounts of X-rays irradiated to the respective imaged portions of theobject to the previously stored X-ray accumulation amounts regarding therespective imaged portions of the object.

The device 200 may store X-ray imaging information received from theX-ray apparatus 100 in correspondence to imaging dates, technologists incharge, doctors who ordered the X-ray imaging operations, or hospitalsat which imaging operations took place.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing operations performed between the device 200and the external database 300, according to an exemplary embodiment.

The device 200 may perform data synchronization regarding information ofX-ray accumulation amount of an object with the external database 300that may be accessed based on authentication of the object.

In operation S810, the device 200 may transmit authenticationinformation for authenticating an object to the external database 300.

In operation S820, the device 200 may receive an authorization foraccessing data of the object from the external database 300.

In operation S830, the device 200 performs data synchronization of X-rayaccumulation amounts of an object with the external database 300 basedon the access authorization received from the external database 300.

For example, if it is determined that the X-ray accumulation amountsstored in the device 200 are more recent than the X-ray accumulationamounts stored in the external database 300, the device 200 may updatethe information regarding X-ray accumulation amounts of the objectstored in the external database 300 to correspond to the information ofX-ray accumulation amounts stored in the device 200.

If it is determined that the X-ray accumulation amounts of the objectstored in the external database 300 is more recent than the X-rayaccumulation amounts stored in the device 200, the device 200 may updatethe information regarding X-ray accumulation amounts of the objectstored in the device 200 to correspond to the information regardingX-ray accumulation amounts stored in the external database 300.

The device 200 may synchronize information regarding X-ray accumulationamount of an object with the external database 300 based on an userinput or may periodically synchronize information regarding X-rayaccumulation amount of an object with the external database 300 withouta user input.

Therefore, the device 200 may perform data synchronization regardinginformation of X-ray accumulation amount of an object by periodicallycomparing information of X-ray accumulation amount stored in the device200 with the information of X-ray accumulation amount stored in theexternal database 300 and update with more recently stored informationregarding X-ray accumulation amount of the object.

The device 200 may store X-ray accumulation amount, and also X-rayimaging information received from the X-ray apparatus 100 in theexternal database 300. For example, the device 200 may store informationregarding a technologist who performed the imaging operation, a doctorwho ordered the imaging operation, imaging dates, imaging times, etc.,in the external database 300.

Since information of X-ray accumulation amount of the object stored inthe external database 300 may only be accessed via authentication of theobject, the information of X-ray accumulation amount of the object maybe managed by the object only. Therefore, security of medicalinformation including X-ray accumulation amount may be improved.

Because the information of X-ray accumulation amount is synchronizedbetween the device 200 and the external database 300, the object mayobtain information of X-ray accumulation amount from the externaldatabase 300 even without the device 200. Furthermore, because theobject backs up information of X-ray accumulation amount collected viathe device 200 to the external database 300, more precise information ofX-ray accumulation amount may be obtained. Furthermore, even if theX-ray apparatus 100 directly stores information of X-ray accumulationamount of the object in the external database 300, the device 200 mayupdate information of X-ray accumulation amount of the object bysynchronizing the information of X-ray accumulation amount.

FIGS. 9 to 12 are diagrams showing X-ray management informationdisplayed by the device 200.

As shown in FIG. 9, the device 200 may provide information regardingX-ray accumulation amounts regarding respective portions of an object.For example, the device 200 may display information regarding X-rayaccumulation amounts regarding respective body portions of an object tothe object via texts, numbers, graphs, and/or graphic user interfaces(GUIs).

An X-ray accumulation amount regarding a portion of an object may beamount of X-ray accumulated at the corresponding portion for a presetperiod of time (e.g., 1 year.) The device 200 may change the presetperiod of time based on an input from an object.

If a user input (i.e., a touchscreen input) selects the breast 920 of ahuman figure image displayed at the device 200, the device 200 mayprovide the number of times 930 that X-rays are irradiated to the breastof the object, the dates 940 at which the X-rays are irradiated to thebreast, and an amount of X-ray 950 irradiated to the breast during apreset period of time.

As shown in FIG. 10, the device 200 may provide information regardingthe overall X-ray accumulation amount of an object. The device 200 maydisplay information regarding X-ray accumulation on a human figure image1010.

The device 200 may provide the number 1020 of times the X-rays have beenirradiated to the object, an X-ray radiation tolerance 1030 to a humanbody for the preset period of time, and an amount 1032 of X-rayaccumulated by the object for a preset period of time. For example, anX-ray tolerance may be an allowable safe amount of X-ray radiationallowed for a particular object, or a portion of an object, depending ongender, weight, age, environmental factors, etc.

As shown in FIG. 11, the device 200 may provide a result of examinationrelated to an X-ray imaging. The device 200 may provide an X-ray image1110 of an object obtained via an X-ray imaging. The device 200 mayprovide a result 1020 of an examination based on the X-ray image 1110.

As shown in FIG. 12, the device 200 may provide a list 1210 showingdates of the X-ray imaging of the object. When an object selects one ofthe X-ray imaging dates, the device 200 may provide schedule information1220 including a corresponding hospital and a reservation date.

FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a detail of the X-ray apparatus 100according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13A, the X-ray apparatus 100 may include anaccumulation information obtainer 180, an imaging protocol determiner190, and a scanner 102. The components and functions of the X-rayapparatus 100 which are described in detail above will not be repeated.

The accumulation information obtainer 180 may obtain informationregarding X-ray accumulation amount of an object from the device 200 viaa short range wireless communication method. As another example, theaccumulation information obtainer 180 may obtain information of X-rayaccumulation amount of an object from the external database 300 based onauthentication information obtained from the object.

The imaging protocol determiner 190 may determine an imaging protocolfor imaging the object based on the information of X-ray accumulationamount of the object obtained by the accumulation information obtainer180. The imaging protocol determiner 190 may determine an imagingprotocol by further including information of the object. The imagingprotocol determiner 190 may determine imaging protocols regardingrespective portions of the object based on preset X-ray radiationtolerances for the respective portions of the object.

The scanner 102 may obtain a medical image of the object based on theimaging protocol determined by the imaging protocol determiner 190.

FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the configuration of the X-ray apparatus100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13B, the X-ray apparatus 100 may include a networkcommunicator 132, a short range wireless communicator 148, an X-rayaccumulation amount transmitter 150, a table 105, a controller 118, astorage unit 124, an image processor 126, an input unit 128, and adisplay 130, the accumulation information obtainer 180, the imagingprotocol determiner 190, and the scanner 102.

The scanner 102 according to an exemplary embodiment may include arotating frame 104, an X-ray generator 106, an X-ray detector 108, arotation driver 110, a data acquisition system 116, and a datatransmitter 120.

The scanner 102 may include the ring-type rotating frame 104 that mayrevolve around a designated rotation axis (RA). The rotating frame 104may have a disc-like shape.

The rotating frame 104 may include the X-ray generator 106 and the X-raydetector 108 that are arranged to face each other and to have designatedfields of view (FOV). The rotating frame 104 may include an anti-scattergrid 114 which may be located between the X-ray generator 106 and theX-ray detector 108.

In the X-ray apparatus 100, X-ray radiation reaching a detector (or aphotosensitive film) includes attenuated primary radiation that forms auseful image, and scattered radiation that deteriorates image quality.To transmit most of primary radiation and reduce scattered radiation, ananti-scatter grid 114 may be located between a patient and a detector(or a photosensitive film).

For example, the anti-scatter grid may be formed by alternately stackinginterspace materials including strips of lead foil, a solid polymermaterial, a solid polymer, and a fiber composite material. However, anexemplary embodiment is not limited thereto.

The rotating frame 104 may receive a driving signal from the rotationdriver 110 and may rotate the X-ray generator 106 and the X-ray detector108 at a rotation speed. The rotating frame 104 may contact-receive adriving signal and power from the rotation driver 110 via a slip ring(not shown). As another example, the rotating frame 104 may receive adriving signal or power from the rotation driver 110 via a wirelesscommunication.

The X-ray generator 106 may receive a voltage and a current from a powerdistribution unit (PDU) via a slip ring (not shown) and a high voltagegenerator (not shown) and generate and emit an X-ray. When the highvoltage generator applies a tube voltage, the X-ray generator 106 maygenerate X-rays having a plurality of energy spectrums in correspondenceto the tube voltage.

An X-ray generated by the X-ray generator 106 may be emitted in adesignated form via a collimator 112.

The X-ray detector 108 may include a plurality of X-ray detectingelements. A single X-ray detecting element may form a single channel.However, an exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto.

The X-ray detector 108 detects an X-ray that is generated by the X-raygenerator 106 and transmitted via an object and may generate electricsignals in correspondence to the intensity of the detected X-ray.

The X-ray detector 108 may include an indirect detector which convertsradiation into light and a direct detector which directly convertsradiation into electric charges. An indirect X-ray detector may includea scintillator. A direct X-ray detector may include a photon countingdetector. A data acquisition system (DAS) 116 may be connected to theX-ray detector 108 to collect electric signals generated by the X-raydetector 108 via a wire or wirelessly. Furthermore, electric signalsgenerated by the X-ray detector 108 may be provided to an analog todigital converter (not shown) via an amplifier (not shown).

Based on slice thickness or the number of slices, only a portion of datacollected by the X-ray detecting unit 108 may be provided to the imageprocessing unit 126 or only a portion of data may be selected at theimage processing unit 126.

A digital signal may be provided to the image processing unit 126 by thedata transmitting unit 120 via a wire or wirelessly.

The controller 118 according to an exemplary embodiment may controloperations of elements of the X-ray apparatus 100. For example, thecontroller 118 may control operations of the table 105, the rotationdriver 110, the collimator 112, the data acquisition system 116, thestorage unit 124, the image processor 126, the input unit 128, thedisplay 130, and the network communicator 132.

The image processor 126 receives data obtained from the data acquisitionsystem 116 (e.g., unprocessed pure data) via the data transmitter 120and performs pre-processes.

The pre-processes may include a process for correcting sensitivityinconsistency between channels, a process for correcting signal loss dueto rapid decrease of signal intensity or an X-ray absorbing material,such as a metal, etc.

Data output by the image processor 126 may be referred to as raw data orprojection data. The projection data may be stored in the storage unit124 together with imaging conditions at the time of data acquisition(e.g., a tube voltage, an imaging angle, etc.).

The projection data may be a group of data values respectivelycorresponding to intensities of X-rays transmitted through an object.For convenience of explanation, a group of projection datasimultaneously obtained at a same imaging angle with respect to allchannels is referred to as a projection data set.

The storage unit 124 may include at least one of storage media, such asa flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, acard-type memory (e.g., a SD memory, an XD memory, etc.), a randomaccess memory (RAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), anelectrically erasable and programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), aprogrammable ROM (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and anoptical disk.

The image processor 126 may reconstruct a cross-section image of anobject by using an obtained projection data set. The cross-sectionalimage may be a 3D image. The image processor 126 may generate a 3D imageof an object via cone beam reconstruction based on the obtainedprojection data set.

External inputs including X-ray tomography imaging conditions and imageprocessing conditions may be received via the input unit 128. Forexample, the X-ray tomography imaging conditions may include a pluralityof tube voltages, energy value settings regarding a plurality of X-rays,imaging protocol selection, image reconstruction method selection, FOVregion settings, the number of slices, slice thickness, imagepost-processing parameter settings, etc. Image processing conditions mayinclude image resolution, attenuation coefficient settings regardingimages, image combination ratio settings, etc. External inputs regardingauthentication information of an object or identification information ofthe object may be received via the input unit 128.

The input unit 128 may include a device for receiving an input. Forexample, the input unit 128 may include a microphone, a keyboard, amouse, a joystick, a touchpad, a touch pen, a voice or gesturerecognition device, etc.

The display 130 may display an X-ray image reconstructed by the imageprocessor 126.

Transmissions and receptions of data and power between the elementsdescribed above may be performed by using at least one of a wiredcommunication, a wireless communication, and an optical communication.

The network communicator 132 may perform communications with the device200 and an external medical device via a server 134.

The network communicator 132 may be connected to a network via a wire orwirelessly and perform communications with the server 134 and/or thedevice 200. The network communicator 132 may exchange data with ahospital server or another device in a hospital connected via a picturearchiving and communication system (PACS).

The network communicator 132 may perform data communication with anexternal device via the digital imaging and communications in medicine(DICOM) standard.

The network communicator 132 may transmit and receive data related todiagnosis of an object via a network. The network communicator 132 maytransmit and receive medical images obtained at other medical devices,such as an MRI or an X-ray.

The network communicator 132 may receive a medical history or atreatment schedule regarding a patient from the server 134 and use thereceived information for clinical diagnosis of the patient.

The short range wireless communicator 148 may be connected to anexternal device including a short range wireless communication deviceand perform a short range communication via various short range wirelesscommunication methods described above with reference to FIG. 2.

The accumulation information obtainer 180 may obtain information ofX-ray accumulation amount of an object via the short range wirelesscommunicator 148. The accumulation information obtainer 180 may obtaininformation of X-ray accumulation amount of an object from the externaldatabase 300 via the network communicator 132 based on authenticationinformation obtained from the object.

FIG. 14A is a diagram showing the configuration of the device 200according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the device 200 may include an accumulationinformation transmitter 210, an X-ray radiation amount receiver 220, andan accumulation amount updater 230. The components and functions of thedevice 200 which are described in detail above will not be repeated.

The accumulation information transmitter 210 may transmit information ofX-ray accumulation amount of an object to the X-ray apparatus 100 byusing a short range wireless communication.

The X-ray radiation amount receiver 220 may receive X-ray imaginginformation including an amount of X-ray irradiated to the object fromthe X-ray apparatus 100 via a short range wireless communication.

The accumulation amount updater 230 may update an X-ray accumulationamount of the object by using the received amount of the irradiatedX-ray.

FIG. 14B is a diagram showing the configuration of the device 200according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14B, the device 200 may include a short range wirelesscommunicator 242, a network communicator 244, a storage unit 246, adisplay 248, and an input unit 250 other than the accumulationinformation transmitter 210, the X-ray radiation amount receiver 220,and the accumulation amount updater 230.

The short range wireless communicator 242 may use at least one ofvarious short range wireless communication methods described above withreference to FIG. 2.

The network communicator 244 may be connected to an external network andtransmit and receive information of X-ray accumulation amount of anobject stored in the external database 300.

The storage unit 246 may store information regarding X-ray accumulationamount and/or medical information of the object. The storage unit 246may store information received from the external database 300 and/or theX-ray apparatus 100.

The display 248 may display X-ray accumulation amounts and X-ray imaginginformation of an object. The display 248 may display at least one ofinformation of X-ray accumulation amounts regarding body portions of theobject, the numbers of times that the body portions of the object areimaged, and dates at which the respective portions of the object areimaged.

The display 248 may include a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, aliquid-crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), a lightemitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a fieldemission display (FED), a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), a digitallight processing (DLP) display, a primary flight display (PFD), a 3Ddisplay, a transparent display, or any other appropriate display. Thedisplay 248 may be used as an output device, and as an input device,e.g., a touchscreen.

The input unit 250 may receive inputs for managing information of X-rayaccumulation amount from an object.

The described-above exemplary embodiments and advantages are merelyexemplary and are not to be construed as limiting. The present teachingcan be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. The description ofexemplary embodiments is intended to be illustrative, and not to limitthe scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, andvariations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of X-ray imaging by controlling an X-rayapparatus comprising: obtaining, by the X-ray apparatus, firstinformation comprising an X-ray accumulation amount of an object;determining, the X-ray apparatus, an imaging protocol for imaging theobject based on the obtained first information; and acquiring, the X-rayapparatus, an X-ray image of the object based on the determined imagingprotocol, wherein the first information including the X-ray accumulationamount of the object is obtained from a device storing informationassociated with the object via a short range wireless communication. 2.The method of X-ray imaging of claim 1, wherein the first informationcomprises X-ray accumulation amounts for respective portions of theobject, and the determining the imaging protocol comprises: determiningan imaging portion of the object; and determining the imaging protocolbased on the determined imaging portion, the X-ray accumulation amountincluded in the first information and corresponding to the determinedimaging portion, and an X-ray tolerance for the determined imagingportion.
 3. The method of X-ray imaging of claim 1, further comprising:transmitting, to the device storing information associated with theobject, X-ray imaging information including an overall amount of anX-ray radiation irradiated to the object according to the determinedimaging protocol, via the short range wireless communication.
 4. Themethod of X-ray imaging of claim 3, wherein the X-ray imaginginformation further comprises information of at least one of imagedportions of the object and amounts of the X-ray radiation irradiated torespective imaged portions of the object.
 5. The method of X-ray imagingof claim 3, wherein the X-ray imaging information further comprisesinformation regarding at least one of a technologist who performed theimaging, a doctor who ordered the imaging, an imaging date, an imagingtime, an X-ray image obtained via the determined imaging protocol, and aresult of diagnosis based on the X-ray image.
 6. The method of X-rayimaging of claim 1, wherein the obtaining the first informationcomprises: receiving the X-ray accumulation amount of the object fromthe device storing information associated with the object via a nearfield communication (NFC) as the device storing information associatedwith the object is tagged to an X-ray apparatus which performs the X-rayimaging.
 7. The method of X-ray imaging of claim 1, wherein the shortrange wireless communication comprises at least one of a near fieldcommunication (NFC), Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
 8. A non-transitorycomputer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a computerprogram which, when executed by a computer system, causes the computersystem to execute the method of claim
 1. 9. The X-ray imaging method ofclaim 1, wherein the first information further comprises secondinformation regarding the object including at least one of an object ID,a name of the object, an age of the object, a gender of the object, anda body weight of the object, and wherein the determining of the imagingprotocol comprises: identifying whether the object corresponding toinformation regarding X-ray accumulation amount transmitted to the X-rayapparatus is identical to the object to be X-rayed, based on the secondinformation; and determining the imaging protocol based on the secondinformation, according to a result of the identifying.
 10. An X-rayapparatus comprising: an accumulation information obtainer configured toobtain first information comprising an X-ray accumulation amount of anobject; an imaging protocol determiner configured to determine animaging protocol for imaging the object based on the obtained firstinformation; a scanner configured to acquire an X-ray image of theobject based on the determined imaging protocol; and a short-rangewireless communicator, wherein the first information comprising theX-ray accumulation amount of the object is obtained from a devicestoring information associated with the object via the short rangewireless communicator.
 11. The X-ray apparatus of claim 10, wherein thefirst information comprises X-ray accumulation amounts for respectiveportions of the object, and the imaging protocol determiner isconfigured to determine an imaging portion for the object, and determinethe imaging protocol based on the determined imaging portion, the X-rayaccumulation amount included in the first information and correspondingto the determined imaging portion, and an X-ray tolerance for thedetermined imaging portion.
 12. The X-ray apparatus of claim 10, furthercomprising: an X-ray radiation amount transmitter configured totransmit, to the device storing information associated with the object,X-ray imaging information including an overall amount of an X-rayradiation irradiated to the object according to the determined imagingprotocol via the short range wireless communication.
 13. The X-rayapparatus of claim 12, wherein the X-ray imaging information furthercomprises information of at least one of imaged portions of the objectand amounts of the X-ray radiation irradiated to respective imagedportions of the object.
 14. The X-ray apparatus of claim 12, wherein theX-ray imaging information comprises information of at least one of atechnologist who performed the imaging, a doctor who ordered theimaging, an imaging date, an imaging time, an X-ray image obtained viathe determined imaging protocol, and a result of diagnosis based on theX-ray image.
 15. The X-ray apparatus of claim 10, wherein theaccumulation information obtainer is configured to receive the X-rayaccumulation amount of the object from the device storing informationassociated with the object via a near field communication (NFC) as thedevice storing information associated with the object is tagged to theX-ray apparatus.
 16. The X-ray apparatus of claim 10, wherein the shortrange wireless communication comprises at least one of a near fieldcommunication (NFC), Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
 17. The X-ray apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the first information further comprises secondinformation regarding the object including at least one of an object ID,a name of the object, an age of the object, a gender of the object, anda body weight of the object, and wherein the imaging protocol determineridentifies whether the object corresponding to information regardingX-ray accumulation amount transmitted to the X-ray apparatus isidentical to the object to be X-rayed, based on the second informationand determines the imaging protocol based on the second information,according to a result of the identifying.